According to information on the CDC website, 465 people have been infected with a strain of Salmonella that has been reported in 42 states. Over 1/3 of cases have required hospitalisation and one death has been reported. Many of those affected have been children under the age of 5.

The epidemiologic evidence indicates that contact with backyard poultry (such as chicks and ducklings) is the likely source of the outbreaks. In interviews with 226 ill people 179 (79 percent) had contact with backyard poultry. In interviews, people reported obtaining chicks and ducklings from a variety of sources, including online, hatcheries and agricultural stores.

In its advice to backyard flock owners, the CDC reiterates that it’s possible to contract Salmonella from touching backyard birds or their environment, even if the birds look healthy, clean and show no outward signs of illness. They recommend frequent hand washing, careful egg handling and to avoid kissing or snuggling the birds.

Read the full list of recommendations here.